Past News

Past News

January 2017: The Nature Center launched our new website. We also welcomed Colin Tyler Bogucki to our staff as Assistant
Manager.

October 8, 2016: 20TH Anniversary Auction and Award Ceremony took place at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Rayne Reynolds was back to auctioneer, Ginamaria Smith joined us with Archimeded her Great Horned Owl, Midnight Sun Zombies provided great music, and A Casual Encounter provided the appetizers and desserts. Many thanks to everyone who attended
and raised money for the Nature Center. Special thanks to our corporate sponsor tables: BP, Conoco Phillips, Carl Lungren, North Country
Stoves, Perkins Coie, and Visit Anchorage.Awards were presented to: REI Co-op, Bird Treatment and Learning Center, Liza
Sanden, Dean Davidson, Dick Griffith and Lee Thomison. Bravo to all for the outstanding work you do as volunteers and supporters.Thank
you to all our donors and volunteers who made the evening a great success.

June 30, 2016: Many thanks to our fabulous volunteer trail crew for fixing the very lopsided bridge on the Upper Albert Loop
Trail. Special thanks to Dean Davidson for designing the system to alleviate the problem in the future and to the following: Paul Daggett,
Mark Kromrey, David Rowland, Teddy Rowland, and Mark St. Amour. Before photo on Left; After photo on Right.

May 21, 2016: Thanks to a grant from the AK Community Forest Council and 3 tree adoptions by the Salter Family and Gleason Family,
we were able to plant 14 native white spruce trees and 20 spruce seedlings behind our new maintenance shop. On May 21st, children planted
10 of the trees in celebration of Arbor Day, guided by arborist Gregg Terry. Thank you all for your support.

May 20, 2016: Our new trail maintenance shop's dedication ceremony was held today. Thanks to the following organizations and
individuals the much needed facility became a reality: The Foraker Group, Kuchar Construction, Kumin Architects, the Rasmuson Foundation,
Rep. Lora Reinbold, the State of Alaska, Chugach State Park and supporters of Friends of Eagle River Nature Center including Cathy Brenner,
Brian Goodman (in memorium), Dot Helm and Barbara Winkley (in memorium).

April 2016: We have a new part-time seasonal naturalist on board! Welcome Samantha Russell!

March 2016: Thank you to all our supporters who donated to the Dick Griffith Matching Challenge between
Novermber 2015 and March 20, 2016. $10,125 was raised. Thank you to Dick for matching your generous contributions. Kudos to all!

February 20, 2016: Omega Smith, UAA Planetarium Manager, headlined our Night with the Stars dinner fundraiser with a talk
about Pluto. Two Sisters Catering provided the marvelous appetizers, dinner and desert. Thank you to Specialty Imports and Broken Tooth Brewery for providing the wine and beer. Another great evening!

January 16, 2016: Our 3rd annual Historic Roadhouse Day and new members-only After Hours Roadhouse was a huge success thanks to many supporters and volunteers. Kudos to our donors: Odd Man Rush Brewing of Eagle River
and musicians Chera Boom, Jerry Bever and the Midnight Sun Zombies. Thank you to our volunteer presenters:
Beth Baker, Lia Slemons of the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area; Rodger Fuson of the Storyteller's Guild of Anchorage; and the AllGood Family Band. Thank you to Kaylene and Bill Sullivan for adding some authenticity to the roadhouse with their horses.

December 5, 2015: Congratulations to our 2015 Volunteers of the Year -Colin Tyler Bogucki and Steven Rasic.
Both gentleman have put in hundreds of hours of volunteer service at the Nature Center. We thank them for their hard work and commitment.

November 10, 2015: Thank you to ExxonMobil for their generous $5000 donation in support of our STEM programs.

October 24, 2015: Thank you to the REI Anchorage store for providing us with an informational table this afternoon at your
Non-profit event. Also, thank you to the REI Foundation for donating $5000 toward our trails, including the design and
construction of this new bike rack.

October 2015: Thank you to CIRI for donating $1000 in memory of Keith Sanders (former FERNC Board Member).

October 4-23, 2015: The Rodak Nature Trail was closed by Chugach State Park rangers and AK Fish and Game
biologists due to the aggressive behavior of a brown bear. See October 2015 Newsletter for more on the story.

August 15, 2015: Eagle River Challenge 5K & 10K Trail Races were lots of fun. Here are some
photos of the racers and top finishers.

L to R Eliza Oldham (35:30) and Hunter Hayes (20:40) were top female and male finishers in the 5K
race. Sophie Wright (59:51) and Michael Moerlein (48:12) were top in the 10K race. Congratulations! Photos courtesy of Colin Tyler Bogucki. For list of all racer's rime click here.

July 2015: Our "warm storage building" is underway. Kuchar Construction and Kumin Architects won the construction bid. The
building will be done by November 1, 2015.

June 2015: Thank you to the ExxonMobil Foundation for their generous donation to fund our summer intern.
Thank you to the REI Foundation for providing a generous grant for us to add bicycle racks at the Center, as well as produce
maps and signs.

June 2015: Thank you to Milt Cooper's brother, Richard Cooper and his wife Kathy Cooper,
for donating Milt's prized Ididtarod print collection to the Nature Center.

May 19, 2015: A Celebration of Milt Cooper's Life will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 5:30pm at the Eagle River Nature Center.
If you plan to attend please let us know by emailing info (at) ercn.org. Please bring stories to share about Milt Appetizers and refreshments
will be available and a walk to the Beaver Viewing Deck.

February 2015:Milt Cooper, long time Nature Center volunteer, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2015.
Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Milt especially loved the Nature Center's astronomy programs. We dedicated this year's
Night with the Stars to Milt in his honor and memory. We will miss his smile and cheerful "Howdy, Howdy" greeting. We bid farewell to a
very good friend.

February 21, 2015, 5-9pm: Our 9th Annual Night with the Stars was a tremendous success with a full house. Dr. Travis Rector of
UAA presented a fascinating discussion on astrobiology; Beth Baker played exquisitely on the harp; and sister Naomi Everett and Alayna Cuddy catered the event. From appetizers thru dessert, the dinner was a feast for the senses. Thank you to all our sponsors (Alyeska Pipeline
Service Co., Broken Toothe Brewery and Specialty Imports) and our volunteers for making it a memorable evening.

February 7, 2015: The 4th Annual Icy River Rampage 10m and 20m fat bike race at the Nature Center took place
today under cold, blue skies. 65 racers total - with 40 racers traveling 20m and 25 - 10m. We even had some fat bike unicyclists! Congratulations
to all the participants and thank you to all the volunteers who made it happen. Special thanks to Board Member Dana Glessner and her husband JD Batove for co-organizing the fundraising event with staff members Laura Kruger and
Gus Gustafson. Way to go everyone! Results of ICY RIVER RAMPAGE FAT
BIKE RACE.

December 13, 2014: Volunteers Elaine Pfeiffer and Richard "Diggs" Cleveland were honored as the Nature Center's
"Volunteers of the Year 2014" at our annual holiday potluck. Elaine has been volunteering on our weekly trail crew since 2009 and Diggs
has worked as our volunteer handyman since 2012. Many thanks to both of them for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations!

September 12, 2014: Dean Davidson and Steven Dilfer, with assistance from LDS Elders from Eagle River and
Richard Cleveland, constructed a new awning for the Rapids Camp Yurt. We hope that everyone enjoys it. We plan to make others like this
at the other yurts. Let us know how you like it. We'll have photos up soon.

August 23, 2014:Asta Spurgis, Eagle River Nature Center Co-Founder and Director, was recognized at the annual
Bridge Builders gala event receiving an award for 2014 Excellence in Community Service.

July 23, 2014: Friends of Eagle River Nature Center received a very generous Legislative Grant to construct a trail maintenance
facility at the Nature Center. Thanks to our community's legislators, in particular Rep. Lora Reinbold, our trail volunteers
will have a warm facility to work in. In addition, the facility will provide laundry and restroom facilities for our resident volunteers.
Many thanks to the State of Alaska for supporting Friends of ERNC.

July 13, 2014: Nature Center volunteers Dean Davidson and Steven Dilfer made and installed a new bench near
the public use cabin. The bench was donated in memory of Joan Johnson of Eagle River who believed that "nature is sustenance
for the soul".

July 8 & 9, 2014: Thank you to trail volunteers Richard "Diggs" Cleveland, Leanne Cleveland and Walter Potter for building a stairway on the steep section of the ascent to the River Trai Yurt. Nice work!

July 1, 2014: The Rasmuson Foundation has granted the Nature Center $100,000 grant to remodel the Nature Center: flooring
throughout the building will be replaced, volunteer kitchen remodeled, and public restrooms remodeled. Thank you to everyone at the Rasmuson
Foundation for this very generous grant. $100,000 is to be matched by Nature Center donors by 2016.

June 15, 2014: Brian Goodman, former Executive Director of FERNC and trail volunteer, who passed in June 2013 left a $10,000
legacy to the organization. This donation will be used toward the construction of our trail maintenance garage in 2015.

June 5, 2014: Notice the new interpretive displays near the Salmon Viewing Deck? They are the work of Dean Davidson,
retired scientist/geologist and long-time trail volunteer and graphic designer Charles Lindemuth. Thank you Dean and all
the trail volunteers that assisted in the construction: Kelly Fehrman, Elaine Pfeiffer, Steven Dilfer, Walter Potter, and Merv Weatherly.

June 1, 2014: Our capital campaign to build a trail maintenance garage is underway. We hope to raise $100,000 by next year.
Thank you to our first donor, Cathy Brenner, for making a very generous donation to kick off the campaign. Cathy has been
a supporter and volunteer for 8 years.

Thank you to our sectond donor, Dot Helm, for supporting this poject with a donation of $500.

April 19, 2014: Our annual spring auction was a huge success thanks to all our donors, sponsors and attendees. Click below
for a list of donors. Thank you all for your generosity and support of the Nature Center's mission. We couldn't do it without you.

March 24, 2014:Thank you to all our Dick Griffith Matching Challenge donors! And thank you to Dick!

February 2014: Thank youAnn and Bob Fisher for an amazing 12 years volunteering for Friends
of Eagle River Nature Center! Bob and Ann hiked over 1000 miles during these years, leading hikes throughout Chugach State Park. They were
both active fundraisers for the organization; generous donors; maintained trails; and Bob served as a Board Director and Finance Committee
Chair (2002-2014). Kudos and Happy Trails from all your co-hikers, volunteers and staff.

December 2013 through March 2014: Dick Griffith Matching Challenge. Legendary Alaska adventurer and Nature Center volunteer
will match every donation up to $5000. See November 2013 Newsletter for details.

December 7, 2013: Annual Volunteer Appreciation potluck. This years Volunteers of the Year - Stacy Flagg and Michael "Gus" Gustafson.
Thank you and congrats!

November 17, 2013: The Albert Loop Trail was reopened by Chugach State Park Rangers after determination that bear activity
along the trail had ceased.

October 2013: Friends of Eagle River Nature Center have been awarded a Pre-Development Grant for a new trails maintenance
garage/shop. Thank you to all the grant's supporters: The Trust, Denali Commission, Mat-Su Health Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation, and
the Foraker Group.

September 18, 2013: Friends of Eagle River Nature Center is an official PICK CLICK GIVE organization for 2014. Consider making
a donation when you apply for your Permanent Dividend Fund starting in January 2014.

August 17, 2013: Congratulations to all the 5K & 10K Eagle River Challenge Racers! Thank you for supporting
the Nature Center. Here are the race results:

August 3, 2013:SALMON RAFFLE WINNER ANNOUNCED! Milt Cooper has won - first red salmon in the Beaver Pond
were photographed by Nature Center staff on Saturday, August 3, 2013. Congratulations Milt for guessing the right
day.

July 10, 2013: The Nature Center received the 2013 Bearpaw Award for outstanding service to the community
from the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce. Laura Kruger, Operations Manager (3rd from right) received the award on behalf of the
Board of Directors, staff and volunteers. Thank You Eagle River!

June 2013: Brian Goodman, former President of Friends of Eagle River Nature Center and long-time trail volunteer passed away
on June 2, 2013. Brian, the friendly Englishman often seen on the Nature Center's trails was 81 when he lost his battle with prostate cancer.
Brian was born in Liverpool, England on November 23, 1931. He is survived by his two children, Alistair and Nicholas; five grandchildren;
and his cousin John Goodman. He will be sorely missed by the staff and volunteers at the Nature Center. The family requests that donations
in Brian's name be sent to the Eagle River Nature Center.

June 8, 2013: Thank you to Stephanie and Christopher Crago of MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY for volunteering to help establish
the bypass trail. This will be an ongoing project through July 2013.

June 5, 2013: Kudos to Pastor Jeff of Community Covenant Church in Eagle River and the youth
group who spent 4 hours improving the new Moose Bypass Trail (part of the Albert Loop). Lots of digging, cutting and brush removal made
for a physically tiring day. Thanks for all the work! We look forward to seeing you again next June.

June 2, 1013: Thank you to the staff of the new Walgreens in Eagle River for nominating the Nature Center
to receive a donation at their grand opening. Asta Spurgis, Director received a "big" check at the opening.

May 22, 2013: Thank you to Key Bank volunteers for helping put a new coat of protective sealant on the building's
logs for "NEIGHBORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE". Thank you Tammy Gray, Disa Foshaug, Alexandra Marsollais, and Shawn Clark for your time and great
work!

May 2013: We bid bon voyage to Doug Devries, long-time volunteer and former Secretary of the Board of Friends
of ERNC. Doug, most famously known for his "Muscles the Moose" childrens' books relocated to Illinois to be closer to family members. We
sure miss you Doug! Photo below with Chris Lundgren in December 1999.

April 20, 2013: Our Spring Auction was a great success. Many thanks to all our sponsors and donors (click here for list), Friends of ERNC Board of Directors, our volunteers and staff who made it a fun fundraising evening.

January 27, 2013: Our 2013 Night with the Stars was a great success. Many thanks to our guest speaker, Seth Shostak,
Sr. Astronomer at the SETI Institute and to our guest chef, Patrick Hoogerhyde and his chef assistants Curtis and Brie
from BRIDGE SEAFOOD. We also thank our sponsors for their generosity: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Broken Tooth Brewing, Marriott Downtown, and Specialty Imports.
Kudos to our night's volunteers, Gail Summerville, Stacy Flagg and Scott Girard. Lastly, thank you to all our attendees
for making the evening a fun fundraiser for our astronomy and natural history programs.

Photo below: Seth Shostak, Gail Sommerville and Karen Shostak.

November 2012: Congratulations to our 2012 Volunteers of the Year - Patricia Jordan and Craig Walters. Both
of them have been volunteering since 2001. We thank them for their enthusiasm and dedication.

October: We welcome our new School Business Partner - the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School and our renewing
partner - Ravenwood Elementary School. We look forward to finding creative ways to make these partnerships beneficial
for the students.

September 2012: United Way's DAY OF CARING took place today Tue, Sept. 11, 2012. Thank
you to volunteers from BP (Karey, Andrew, Arvid and Clay) for coming out to help with projects at the Nature Center.

We really appreciate all your help getting the Nature Center prepared for winter: putting up lights outside, dusting all the exhibits, cleaning
the floors of the educational yurt and organizing and cleaning the Close-Up Corner. Thanks again to BP and to United Way!

August 2012: Our new Yukla Yurt was completed by volunteers and staff on July 30th. It opened to the public on August 1, 2012.
The yurt sleeps up to 6 people. It has a wide bunkbed (2 can sleep on each level) and a single platform. Steve Rasic of
Northcountry Stoves in Eagle River volunteered his time to install the Jotul woodstove. He also donated many parts and materials. We thank
Steve and the following volunteers for their time and leadership on this project (sorry, we haven't listed everyone involved, but we do have you listed in our information book in the yurt):
JD Batove, Andy Bickford, Dean Davidson, Dick Griiffith, Michael Gus Gustafson, and Fletcher Yancey.

June 6, 2012: The REI Foundation granted Friends of ERNC $5000 toward trail improvements and boardwalk construction.
Thank you REI and the staff at the Anchorage store.

Congratulations to everyone for a great race! Here are a few photos courtesy of Tom Howell.

April 2012: Thank you to the Rasmuson Foundation for granting the Nature Center $19,500 to purchase a new
snowmachine and groomer/track setter. We look forward to having spectacular winter trails in 2013.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped with our Spring Auction at the Bridge on Saturday, April 14,
2012. It was a fun evening which raised funds for the Nature Center. Click here for a program and list of donors.

March 2012: We extend our thanks to Sarah Wright for being our volunteer Treasurer and Bookkeeper from 2007-
Feb 2012. Sarah spent hundreds of volunteer hours in service to the Nature Center. We can't thank her enough and wish her all the best
at her new home in California.

Special thanks to the Paul H. Clark Foundation for their generous donation of $5000 for interpretive programming. Treva Clark
was a volunteer in residence in 2002 and continues to support the mission of the Nature Center.

Thank you to all our 2011-2012 Dick Griffith Challenge donors! We raised and exceeded Dick's generous contribution. Here
is a list of all our donors. Thanks again to each of you for making
this a successful campaign.

February 25, 2012: Icy River Rampage, 20 mile bike race on Eagle River coming on Saturday, February 25, 2012.
Race starts at 1pm. Sign in and bib pick-up starts inside the Nature Center at 11:30am. Joint sponsors: Arctic Bicycle Club and the Eagle
River Nature Center. All proceeds support trail maintenance efforts at the Nature Center.

Many thanks toRIM Architects for providing pro bono services for pre-development
concept plans for a new nature center. The plan will be based on the site plan that was approved by the public through a public process
(see link on home page to that plan and study) completed in 2010-2011. The Board of Friends
of ERNC are working with RIM to prepare a funders packet - a document that will show a proposed building concept and a cost estimate with
which FERNC can pursue funding. We anticipate a draft packet to be completed by March 2012.

August 2011: The Nature Center was awarded an REI Foundation grant for $5000 to construct a new public use
yurt. Many thanks to REI Anchorage for their support! The new yurt is planned for June 2012.

Thank you to TOTE (Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc.) for their annual contribution.

June 2011: Summer is open us and thanks to the following groups, the gardens and flower baskets around the Nature Center
are looking beautiful: Eagle River Rotary for their help weeding and planting and their donation of $500 toward the purchase
of flowers and soil. Special thanks to Rotary member Tonya Gamble for organizing once again!

Mile 5.2 Greenhouse for his donation of $250 toward the purchase of flowers. Thank you Dale for all your
help with our flower questions!

The youth group from Community Covenant Church for volunteering to weed, sweep and haul gravel to spiff up the parking areas
and front gardens. Nancy and Jeff and all the teens - you rock!

Other Sponsors: University of Alaska Anchorage; Alyeska Pipeline; Within the Wild, Moose's Tooth.

November 2010: Mark your calendars. Friends of Eagle River Nature Center will celebrate its 15 year anniversary at a special
event on May 14, 2011: Boreal Forest Ball - A Black Tie and Fleece Event. The dinner and music venue will take
place at the Nature Center startint at 5pm under a huge tent. This is a "not to be missed" special event that will feature the release
of a Great Horned Owl at 9pm. The Magic Bus will be shuttling attendees from the North Fork parking lot all evening. For more
info contact Laura Kruger at admin(at)ernc.org or call 907-694-2108.

September 14, 2010: Many thanks to the Chugiak Eagle River Foundation for awarding the Nature Center $1000 to purchase a computer
for our main space. Visit www.cerfoundation.org and let them know you appreciate their assistance.

September 4, 2010: Our new online cabin and yurt live availibility calendar and reservation system has been launched. It
is a secure and easy way to make your reservation 24/7.

August 25, 2010: The REI Foundation has awarded the Nature Center $5000 to construct a picnic shelter to be used for school classes. We hope
to have the shelter completed by June 2011.

August 7, 2010: The Rasmuson Foundation has awarded the Nature Center a grant for $9950.00 to purchase new office equipment. Many thanks to
the Founation for their support.

August 5, 2010: The salmon are in! Watch red salmon spawn by the viewing decks along the Rodak Nature Trail. This also means that Chugach State
Park rangers will be closing the Albert Loop Trail to allow bears to feed on the salmon coming up the creeks. Please adhere to the closure
for your own safety and for the well being of our animal neighbors.

July 28, 2010: There will be an increase in school fees beginning in January 2011. Naturalist-guided programs will be increased
from a $5/student fee to $6/student fee. For more information go to Schools.

July 7, 2010: Final public comments with responses from Alaska State Parks personnel and Friends of Eagle River Nature Center
Board of Directors and staff have been posted at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/ A revised site
plan concept is also posted, integrating ideas discussed at the public meetings with the needs of Chugach State Park, Friends of Eagle
River Nature Center and community representatives.

July 2, 2010: We are seeking to fill an immediate vacancy for a summer resident volunteer for the months of August and September
2011. Please contact us at [email protected] for more details. As of July 28, 2011 this position remains open until filled.

April 15, 2010: Planning for the Future of the Eagle River Nature Cntr: Visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/ for up-to-date information and drawings of Site Concepts. Public comment period has been extended to April 30, 2010. Concept C is posted inside the Nature Center. Concept C is the preferred site of the Friends of Eagle River Nature Center planning team.

March 2010: Night with the Stars was a a great success, raising $4000 for the Nature Center's programs. Many thanks to the
presenters, board member Scott Girard and all the evening's volunteers. Astronaut Bill Oefelein was the featured speaker, harpist Beth
Baker and dinner by Haute Quarter Grill owners/chefs Lynn and Alex Perez. Many thanks to these volunteers and to donations from the evening's
sponsors - K&L Distributors, Odom Corp, Mike's Quality Meats and Kim Girard.

January/February 2010:Review of Draft Master Site Development Planfor the Nature Center. A second series of public forums will be held to identify concerns and issues. The following forums are taking place for various user/interest
groups:

January 25, 2010 - Friends of Eagle River Nature Center Board of Directors Meeting at BP, first floor, 6:00pm

February 11, 2010 - Members of the Nature Center and Neighbors meeting at the Nature Center, 6pm

February 25, 2010 - Community Open House at the Nature Center, 6pm. Due to snow storm warnings and hazardous driving conditions this meeting has been rescheduled to take place on THUR., March 4, 2010 at 6pm at the Nature Center.

The public is invited to attend a community forum on Thursday, September 17, 2009, from 6-8pm at the Eagle River Nature Center
to provide input on preliminary site options for a master planning document.

Wednesday, August 13, 2009 - noon: The Albert Loop Trail is officially closed for public safety to avoid potential bear encounters.
As the salmon return to their spawning grounds, so too, do the bears to feed on the salmon and the berries. Closing this popular trail
for a few months has been a successful way to reduce people-bear conflicts. For more information, contact Chugach State Park at 907-345-5014.

July 2009: Planning for the Future of the Nature Center

A series of public forums will begin in August 2009. A workshop and presentation by Alaska State Design and Construction staff for Nature Center
members and neighbors will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2009, from 6-8pm at the Eagle River Nature Center. Preliminary
site options will be discussed. Public input and comments are important to this process. For a list of other public forum locations and
dates, please visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/

August 2008- August 2009: Thanks to a generous Tier 1 grant from the Rasmuson Foundation,
the Nature Center was able to purchase much-needed equipment to maintain the trails and grounds. The funds allowed the ERNC to purchase
an ATV with winch, a belly dump for spreading gravel, bear-proof food lockers for the public-use cabin and yurts, bear-proof recycling
containers, D1 gravel, interpretive supplies, and more. Thank you to the Rasmuson Foundation!

September 2008: Many thanks to Wells Fargo and the REI Foundation for their grant support.